What I've learnt after reading ''Become a straight-A student'' by Cal Newport?

Source: calnewport.com

Don’t work during sleep time. Get any obligations out of your head as soon as possible so your mind is not unnecessarily cluttered - the brain is more for processing than it is for keeping stuff. Therefore, put new tasks and deadlines straight on a piece of paper (a dedicated notebook or something). Remember that the to-dos and deadlines that exist only in your mind drain your energy, distract your attention, create stress, and are more likely to vanish.

Boost your energy and concentration

Staying hydrated is key to keeping your mind sharp and your energy levels high. Sipping water throughout the day can help you combat boredom-induced cravings and ward off feelings of drowsiness. While caffeine can be a helpful pick-me-up, be sure to limit your intake to no more than one large caffeinated beverage per hour to avoid feeling jittery and distracted. When it comes to food, view it as fuel for your body, not just a source of pleasure. Snack on nutrient-dense options like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains to sustain your energy levels over time. And whatever you do, don't skip meals! Low blood sugar can wreak havoc on your concentration and make it all too tempting to procrastinate.

Make it somewhat fun

When it comes to tackling tasks we don't particularly enjoy, it can be a real struggle to even get started. But what if I told you that you could turn these tedious tasks into something enjoyable? Yes, you read that right! The key is to make an event out of it.

One way to do this is by changing up your environment. Head to a coffee shop, a bookstore, or even a restaurant to work on those not-so-fun assignments. Being in a new and attractive environment can make even the dullest of tasks seem more appealing. The hardest part is just getting started, but once you begin, the pain will slip away.

Build a routine

Another way to make these tasks more manageable is by building a routine. Create a habit out of it so that it becomes something you don't even have to think about doing anymore. By doing this, you'll no longer have to convince yourself to do it, you'll just automatically choose to do it.

Enjoy your breaks

But don't forget to give yourself a break! Never plan two hard days in a row. Instead, try to plan relaxing activities immediately before and after those challenging days to ease their impact. And if you really want to maximize your productivity, take advantage of your most effective time - the time between when you wake up and when you eat dinner. If you cut yourself off from the outside world during your work hours, then you have a much better chance of completing what needs to be done. Plus, the resulting increase in concentration will help you get your work done faster. Studying can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially when you have to tackle a mountain of work. But fear not, there are ways to make it easier and more enjoyable! First and foremost, it's crucial to give your brain a rest and do something enjoyable, even if it's just for a few minutes. You'll come back refreshed and ready to tackle your work with renewed energy. During your breaks, make sure to engage in something that has nothing to do with your studies/work. It could be listening to music, taking a walk, or even scrolling through social media. The key is to disengage and give your mind a break.

According to the IPFW Center for Academic Support and Advancement, it's best to study in 40-50 minute increments for maximum retention. After that, take a short break, about 5 minutes, before continuing.

Gather all necessary materials upfront

When you do study, make sure you have all the materials you need beforehand. This includes notes, textbooks, and any other necessary resources. Gathering everything upfront will help you avoid distractions that could derail your focus. Additionally, consider using a laptop to take notes. It allows you to record more information in detail and use mind-mapping programs. However, keep in mind that typing may result in worse retention of the content than handwriting.

Make a study-guide

Schedule your hard days strategically. Don't plan two hard days in a row, and make sure to plan relaxing activities before and after those days to ease their impact. You're most productive between waking up and dinner time, so try to accomplish as much work as possible during that time. If you cut yourself off from the outside world during your work hours, you'll have a better chance of completing what needs to be done. When it comes to studying, procrastination can be the ultimate enemy. Waiting until the last minute to cram all of the material into your brain is a surefire way to stress yourself out and increase your chances of forgetting important information. That's why it's crucial to stay on top of your studies and avoid doing things the day before your deadline.

One effective way to stay organized and focused is to create a study guide. This cheat sheet should contain all the essential information you need to know for the exam or assignment. For technical courses, constructing a mega-problem set with practical examples can be helpful for hands-on learning. It's also important to use review tools such as studying sample exams and certification tests. Memorization aids like Anki flashcards can be created in advance, bit by bit, and used for spaced repetition with active recall using your own words.

Also, breaking broad topics into smaller ones can help you better understand the concepts rather than just memorizing solutions. Discussing difficult topics with other people can offer new insights and perspectives.

Remember, studying isn't just about putting in the hours. It's about using your time effectively and efficiently to absorb the information you need to succeed. So, take the time to build a strong foundation of knowledge and stay organized to reduce stress and maximize your chances of success.

Design a way to overcome obstacles

For me, writing essays has always been daunting, but I realized that with the right approach, it can become a breeze. The first step is to create a brief outline that covers what you want to convey in the essay. Consider asking thought-provoking questions to keep the reader engaged and interested throughout the essay. It's important to prepare your resources, such as references and bibliography, before diving into the writing process. Doing both at the same time can slow you down and make the process more difficult. Instead, extract the necessary information from your sources in advance to save time and effort. Once you have all the information, start writing. Don't worry about editing yet, just let the words flow. Once the essay is complete, set it aside for a bit and come back to it with fresh eyes. Doing a round or two of editing at the very end can save you time and prevent you from getting bogged down in nitpicky details. As you edit, read the essay out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or unclear sentences. This can also help you catch any grammatical errors that may have slipped through the cracks. With these tips, writing an essay can become a manageable and even enjoyable task.

To quickly wrap up. Effective time management is critical for your academic success and your future career. By following these tips, you'll be able to manage your time more effectively, reduce stress, and increase your productivity.

Work accomplished
= time spent * intensity of focus